Choosing the city where you’ll plant your family roots or to simply start afresh is a huge decision. Australia has a lot of thriving cities to choose from! However, if you are looking for a new place to really call home, heading to Queensland, and Mackay in particular, is your best bet. Let us count the reasons why….
1. The climate
Mackay has a tropical climate like the rest of the state, but here you can expect to enjoy good weather all-year-round.
While many Queensland regions scorch in daytime temperatures during summer, in Mackay it’s all about enjoying the afternoon sea breeze because of its north-eastern coastal position. Summer temperatures here also tend to be cooler due to the south-eastern winds and the fresh easterlies – all thanks to Mackay’s location on the trade wind belt.
And unlike most southern regions of Queensland, Mackay doesn’t freeze in zero-degree weather. In fact, Mackay winter is pleasant. Winter days are typically warm and sunny, with maximum temperatures ranging from 21 to 25 degrees, while nights are cool at 13-15 degrees minimum temperature.
2. Natural Attractions
Relocating to Mackay means getting closer to nature. The region has the most amazing natural attractions that Australia has to offer. One of them is Cape Hillsborough, a national park covered in rainforest and home to more than 200 wildlife species, including the Agile Wallabies and Eastern Grey Kangaroos. You can also visit the Pioneer Valley, Mackay’s marvellous hinterland where you can enjoy breath-taking views of emerald green lowlands.
Mackay also has magnificent waterfalls and great fishing spots, all of which are just minutes away from the city centre and The Waters Ooralea.
3. Growing Job Market
Mackay has the fastest growing economy in regional Queensland today. The job market is flourishing — just last year, 3,900 new jobs were created within the 12 months leading up to August 2018. This growth led to a reduction of the unemployment rate in the region to well below the State average.
According to recent trend employment data, the top industry employers in Mackay are mining, health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Not too far behind are the agribusiness, logistics, and tourism sectors.
4. New Developments
New developments are underway in the region and this is another reason to move to Mackay. The Mackay Regional Council is constantly finding ways to improve the liveability in the region.
Just last March, the new Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex (ARC) opened up its doors to the public. It’s a $23.7 million state-of-the-art facility that offers world-class sporting and recreation venues not just to Mackay residents and athletes, but to national and international sports competitions as well. The Mackay ARC is just the first phase of the $72 million Mackay Regional Sports Precinct.
Another new development that you’ll soon enjoy is the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA). The project aims to rejuvenate the region’s top waterfront destination, which will bring endless opportunities to the residents of Mackay.
5. Schools, Support Services, and Childcare
If you have children, you have all the more reason to move to Mackay! The region will soon be home to world-class educational facilities. Recently, the Queensland Government announced the state budget inclusion of the $40 million allotment for new and enhanced school facilities in Mackay and surrounding areas.
Some of the existing schools that will receive refurbishment projects include Fitzgerald State School, Park State School, and Mackay Central State School. These schools will soon have progressive learning spaces to help enhance the education of children in Mackay. As a parent, you’ll be glad to find that these schools are just minutes away from residential communities like The Waters Ooralea.
6. Booming Tourism
One of the significant reasons why Mackay is experiencing unprecedented economic and employment growth is the booming tourism. In 2018, the number of people employed by the sector has increased to 3,700 (15.2% growth) and its contribution to Mackay’s economy has pumped up to $380 million (16% growth).
The council is doing all it can to sustain this growth by constantly improving the natural and man-made attractions in the region. All tourism projects are designed to attract local travellers and international tourists.
If you move to Mackay, you’ll not only benefit from awesome tourist destinations being developed, but this sector might also give you the job opportunity that you’ve been waiting for.
7. Sustainable Infrastructure
Mackay Regional Council is also prioritising the utmost quality of life for its residents. The council has put a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure projects to build roads, as well as water and sewerage systems that will accommodate the growing economy and increasing population in the region.
On-going projects are also in place to expand the Mackay areas such as the Paget Industrial Zone, Ooralea, and the Northern Beaches. If you decide to buy a property in Mackay today, these sustainable infrastructure projects will help increase its value in the future.
8. Family Activities
When choosing a new place to settle down with your family, you’d want somewhere with plenty of fun-filled recreation activities to offer. This is exactly what you’ll get when you move to Mackay. The region has many scenic camping spots where you can get up close with nature. These include the Cape Creek Camping area near Cape Palmerston National Park, Keswick Island in the Coral Sea, and the Fern Flat camping site in Eungella National Park.
Mackay is also home to the Bluewater Lagoon, a free-admission water park overlooking the Pioneer River; the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, an awesome collection of differently themed gardens; and Artspace Mackay, a kid-friendly creative space where your family can learn arts with free workshops.Many of these family activities are just a stone’s throw away from The Waters Ooralea.
Discover The Waters Ooralea and all the activities on offer within our residential community, less than nine kilometres from the Mackay CBD.
9. Beaches
If you’re dreaming of summers by the beach without traveling more than an hour from home, then you definitely should consider moving to Mackay. The area features amazing white-sand beaches that run all along the region’s coast. These coastal wonders include Harbour Beach in North Mackay, Town Beach near the city centre, the northernmost beaches Dolphin Heads and Bucasia Beach, and the Cumberland Islands- facing Lamberts Beach.
You and your family can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and whale-watching at these Mackay beaches. All of them also have adjacent parks where you can picnic and barbecues for free.
10. Lower House Prices
Another reason why relocating to Mackay is a great idea: the lower house prices. Compared to other Queensland coastal regions like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, you’ll find it much easier to find an affordable property in Mackay. In fact, a first-time home buyer in the region can save for the 20% deposit for a median-price house in just 2.5 years. That’s way shorter the Australian average of 4.6 years.
So, if your goal is to own a house sooner, then moving to Mackay is your best option. Find yourself a Mackay property now while the prices are at their lowest. The Waters Ooralea is the best place to start your search.
The Waters Ooralea
Our master-planned residential community currently offers house & land packages with varying designs and prices that will suit all types of families. These packages will save you time and effort in designing and planning the construction because they are already done.
The Waters Ooralea also offers an in-house finance service to make it easier for you to buy your own home. We will assist in the whole application process including a FREE Finance Health Check and advice when selecting the right home loan product.
Contact The Waters Ooralea today to get pre-approved financing to buy your new house & land package in Mackay.